Portable foldable exercise device

ABSTRACT

A foldable portable exercise machine allowing a user to perform exercise while sitting on a chair/sofa, or lying on their back on the floor. The exercise machine is portable and may be folded up for storage when not used. The exercise machine includes a base structure having a pair of rigid arms and a base bar, such that a first end of each of the rigid arms is securely fastened to opposite ends of the base bar to form a U-shape. A pair of rotatable arms is rotatably connected, through a first and second hinges, to a second end of the rigid arms. A spring mechanism is disposed surrounding the first and second hinges to provide a first and second resistance forces. Each of the rotatable arms are attached an handle bar.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to exercise devices. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to portable foldable exercise devices.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Individuals who work long hours in an office environment wish to use exercise machines more frequently, preferably without having to visit a fitness center or gymnasium. As a result, many families would prefer to purchase one to use at home. However, such exercise machines available in the market occupy too much home space and can be difficult to carry or to move.

Exercise machines are usually configured to generate an adjustable resistance and offer different levels of resistance for a user to choose from, each exercise machine having targeted one or two muscle groups for a different part of the human body. Some smaller portable exercise machines, such as the ab roller, have been provided to target a specific muscle group of the human body. Such exercise machines typically involves one or two exercise motions and targets only those specific muscle groups. Yet, very few portable exercise machines have been provided for targeting more than one muscle group, such as the upper body, abdominal and lower body muscle groups. Yet, even fewer of those portable exercise machines can be used while a user is sitting on a chair, on a sofa, or on the floor, and can be folded up for easy storage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an hinge of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a front and a back view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a top and a bottom view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a first and a second side view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a first and a second position of a first push-up like exercise a user can perform with an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a first and a second position of a second push-up like exercise a user can perform with an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a first and a second position of a first exercise a user can perform with an exercise machine while lying on the back according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a first and a second position of a second exercise a user can perform with an exercise machine while lying on the back according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a first and a second position of a third exercise a user can perform with an exercise machine while lying on the back according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a first and a second position of a first exercise a user can perform with an exercise machine while crouching according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a first and a second position of a second exercise a user can perform with an exercise machine while crouching according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a first and a second position of a first exercise a user can perform with an exercise machine while sitting down on a chair according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a first and a second position of a second exercise a user can perform with an exercise machine while sitting down on a chair according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a first and a second position of a third exercise a user can perform with an exercise machine while sitting down on a chair according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate a first and a second position of a fourth exercise a user can perform with an exercise machine while sitting down on a chair according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a first and a second position of a fifth exercise a user can perform with an exercise machine while sitting down on a chair according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments and aspects will be described with reference to details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate the various embodiments. The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

Embodiments of the invention is a foldable portable exercise machine that a user can use to exercise while sitting on a chair/sofa, or on a support surface such as on the floor. The exercise machine is portable and may be folded up for storage when not used. In one embodiment, an exercise machine includes a base structure with a first and a second rigid arms and a base bar, such that a first end of the first rigid arm is securely fastened or attached to a first end of the base bar, and a first end of the second rigid arm is securely fastened or attached to a second end of the base bar to form a U-shape elongated member. The second end of each of the first and second rigid arms are rotatably connected to a first end of a first and a second rotatable arm through a first and second hinges, respectively. The second end of the first and second rotatable arms is attached to a first and a second handle bars respectively such that the first rotatable arm can be rotated via the first hinge with respect to the first rigid arm, and the second rotatable arm can be rotated via the second hinge with respect to the second rigid arm. A first and a second spring mechanisms is disposed surrounding the first and second hinges respectively to provide a first and second resistance forces when the first and second rotatable arms rotates.

In one embodiment, the first and second rotatable arms of the exercise machine rotate in an axis perpendicular to the base bar, such that the first and second rotatable arms have substantially the same length but shorter than the first and second rigid arms respectively.

In one embodiment, the first and second handle bars of the exercise machine are attached at the substantially-mid portions to the second end of the first and second rotatable arms respectively. In another embodiment, the first and second handle bars of the exercise machine have a longitudinal axis perpendicular to each of the first and second rigid arms, respectively, restricting each of the first and second rotatable arms to less than 360 degrees of rotation. In another embodiment, the first and second handle bars of the exercise machine are not in contact with each other while the first and the second rotatable arms rotate such that the first and second rotatable arms can rotate independently.

In one embodiment, the first resistance exerts a torque on the first rotatable arm rotatably connected to the first rigid arm. Similarly, the second resistance exerts a torque on the second rotatable arm rotatably connected to the second rigid arm. In another embodiment, the first and second spring mechanism can be adjusted to increase the first and second resistance, respectively. In another embodiment, the first and second spring mechanisms include a spring coil, metal plates, or a substitute of the rotatable arms with bendable rods.

In one embodiment, the exercise machine further includes a first and a second angle restriction mechanism, each secured on each of the first and second rigid arms to prevent the first and second rotatable arms from a full rotation. In another embodiment, each of the first and second angle restriction mechanisms includes at least a first angle position of an extension of approximately 90 degrees angle between the rotatable and the rigid arms and a second angle position of an extension of approximately zero degrees angle between the rotatable and the rigid arms. In another embodiment, each of the first and second angle restriction mechanism further include a first and a second spring-loaded knobs with protrusions secured on the first and second rigid arms, respectively, and a first and a second insertion crevices on the first and second rotatable arms, respectively. The first and second protrusions move along the first and second insertion crevices, respectively, such that the insertion crevice is shaped such that the first and second rotatable arms moves freely about the first and second angle positions of the angle restriction mechanisms. In another embodiment, the first and second rotatable arms each has a third and fourth insertion crevice, respectively, such that the first protrusion moves and locks into the third insertion crevice and the second protrusion moves and locks into the fourth insertion crevice to fold up the exercise machine for storage purposes.

In one embodiment, the first and second handle bars of the exercise machine includes a substantially cylindrical padded support on a first end, such that the two substantially cylindrical padded support ends of the handle bars are positioned adjacent to each other. The second end of each of the first and second handle bars has a substantially rigid handle. In another embodiment, a user performs an exercise by placing their abdominal or chest muscles on both the substantially cylindrical padded support ends of the first and second handle bars, while the exercise machine base structure is placed on a support surface such as the floor. In another embodiment, a user performs an exercise by placing their left and right legs on each of the substantially cylindrical padded supports, respectively. In another embodiment, a user performs an exercise by placing their left and right hands on the first and second substantially rigid handles, respectively. In one embodiment, the exercise machine is substantially symmetrical with respect to the base bar.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a foldable portable exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention. The foldable portable exercise machine 100 includes a U-shaped base structure 101 made up of a base bar 105 that is securely fastened to two rigid arms 110. One end of the rigid arms 110 is secured at the ends of the base bar 105 such that the base bar 105 may be used for support (the base structure 101 may be placed on a support surface such as, on the floor/ sofa, or against a user's chest). The other ends of the rigid arms 110 are connected to rotatable arms 120 through its respective hinges 140 to allow for rotational movement of the rotatable arms 120 with respect to the rigid arms 110. The rotatable arms 120 are each secured to a handle bar 130, for example, using screws and nuts to tie them together. Each of the handle bars 130 has a cushioned end 150 with padded support and a substantially rigid handle end 160. A user may place their abdominal and/or chest muscles against the cushioned end 150 to perform a group of exercises. A user may also use their arms or hands to push against or pull on the rigid handles 160 to perform another group of exercises. Note in this illustration, each of the rigid arms 110 and rotatable arms 120 has a relatively square or rectangular cross-section while the handle bars 130 have a relatively circular cross-section. However, the illustration is not meant to be limiting. Other shapes such a star, polygonal, or oval cross-section, or may also be applicable. In one embodiment, the rigid arms 110, rotatable arms 120, and handle bars 130 may be made up of a bundle of sticks, i.e., more than one stick per arm, and each stick may be hollow or solid. In one embodiment, the rotatable arms 120 may be flexible or rigid such that the rotatable arms 120 will exert resistances.

In one embodiment of the invention, the rotatable arms 120 rotate in an axis perpendicular to the base bar 105. In another embodiment, the rotatable arms 120 are substantially parallel to each other. In another embodiment, the rotatable arms 120 are shorter than its respective rigid arms 110.

In one embodiment, a substantially mid-portion of the handle bars 130 is attached to a second end of its respective rotatable arms 120, for example, using a screw and nut. In another embodiment, a longitudinal axis of the handle bars 130 is perpendicular to the rigid arms 110 restricting the rotatable arms 120 to less than 360 degrees of rotational movement. In another embodiment, the handle bars 130 are not in contact with each other while the rotatable arms 120 rotate. The rotatable arms 120 may rotate independently from each other. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a portable foldable exercise machine 200 in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an hinge 300 of the portable foldable exercise machine 100 in accordance with one embodiment. Hinge 300 can represent hinge 140 of FIG. 1. The hinge 300 has a spring mechanism 301 to provide for resistances on the first and second rotatable arms 120 with its respective rigid arms 110. The spring mechanism 301 may include a spring coil 305 and two plates 306 latching to the ends of the spring coil 305 with its respective rigid arms 110 and rotatable arms 120 to provide for the resistances. The resistances (i.e., torque forces) are exerted on the rotatable arms 120 when a user pull or push against the rotatable arms 120 against base structure 101 while the exercise machine is in operation.

In one embodiment, the spring mechanism 301 may be made of a spring coil or bendable metal plates or the rotatable arms 120 may be made up of bendable rods to provide for the torque forces, or a combination of the above. In one embodiment, the spring mechanism 301 may be adjustable to increase or decrease the torque force for a different level of exercise, such as, by dialing the plates 306 latching on to the spring coil 305 of the spring mechanism 301 to increase or decrease the resistance (for example, although not shown on the figure, a knob can be attached to one of the plate 306 to allow for dialing).

In one embodiment, the hinge 300 includes an angle restriction mechanism 310 to restrict the respective rotatable arms 120 to about a quarter revolutions or about 90 degrees with respect to the respective rigid arms 110. In another embodiment, the angle restriction mechanism includes a knob 315, a spring 320, and a protrusion 325 attached to the hinge 300 of the rigid arm 110 portions, and a crevice 330 on the rotatable arm 120 portions of the hinge 300. The knob 315, spring 320, and protrusion 325 forms a spring-loaded knob with protrusion 326. While a user works out with the exercise machine, the protrusion 325 moves about the crevice 330 restricting the rotatable arm 120 between a start angle of about zero degrees and an end angle of about 90 degrees.

In another embodiment, the hinge portion of the rotatable arm 120 includes an insertion crevice 340 where a protrusion 325 of a spring-loaded knob with protrusion 326 may lock into to restrict movements of the rotatable arms 120 with respect to the rigid arms 110. This insertion crevice 340 allows the exercise machine to be folded and put away for storage purposes.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate a front and a back view of the portable foldable exercise machine accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate a top and a bottom view of the portable foldable exercise machine accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate a first side and a second side view of the portable foldable exercise machine accordance with one embodiment.

The Exercise Routines

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate a first and a second position of a first push-up like exercise a user can perform with a portable foldable exercise machine. In addition to a regular push-up, the user positions their abdominal muscles on the cushioned support ends of the handle bar of the exercise machine. The exercise machine helps tone the user's abdominal muscles while the push-up is less strenuous on the arm muscles because of the added support from the exercise machine.

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrate a first and a second position of a second push-up like exercise a user can perform with a portable foldable exercise machine. In addition to a regular push-up, the user positions their quadriceps muscles on the cushioned ends of the handle bar of the exercise machine. The exercise machine helps tone the user's quadriceps muscles while the push-up is less strenuous on the arm muscles because of the added support from the exercise machine.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B illustrate a first and a second position of a first exercise a user can perform with a portable foldable exercise machine while lying down on their back on a support surface. The user lies on a support surface such as on the floor and positions their calf muscles against the cushioned ends of the handle bars of the exercise machine. The user then raises and lowers both their legs simultaneously to work out their abdominal and/or lower back muscles. The exercise machine helps the user to maintain their overall balance in the first position while the user's legs are lifted. The exercise machine provides a resistance against the users' legs in the second position while the user's legs are lowered.

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B illustrate a first and a second position of a second exercise a user can perform with a portable foldable exercise machine while lying down on their back on a support surface. The user lies on a support surface such as the floor with their hamstring muscles or the back of their knees muscles placed against the cushioned ends of the handle bar of the exercise machine. The user alternates their left and right legs as in the illustration to work out the user's right and left abdominal muscles respectively.

FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B illustrate a first and a second position of a third exercise a user can perform with a portable foldable exercise machine while lying down on their back on a support surface. The user places the portable foldable exercise machine between him and the support surface with his back against the cushion end of the handle bar of the exercise machine. The user alternates between the first and second positions in the illustration to work out their abdominal and lower back muscles simultaneously.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B illustrate a first and a second position of a first exercise a user can perform with a portable foldable exercise machine by pushing against the handle bar. The user places their left and right hands and pushes against the respective rigid ends of the respective handle bars independently, alternating between the first and second position in the illustration. In this exercise, the user predominantly works out their chest and triceps muscles.

FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B illustrate a first and a second position of a second exercise a user can perform with a portable foldable exercise machine by pushing against the handle bar. Similarly, the user places their left and right hands and pushes against the respective rigid handle ends of the respective handle bars, but simultaneously, alternating between the first and second position in the illustration. In this exercise, the user predominantly works out their chest and triceps muscles.

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B illustrate a first and a second position of a first exercise a user can perform with a portable foldable exercise machine while sitting down on a chair. The user may instead sit on a sofa, or any type of upright posture support structure. The exercise machine that is placed on the floor. The user sits down on the support structure and places his left and right foot on the two handle bars of the exercise machine. The user pushes against the handle bars independently, alternating between the first and second positions in the illustration to work out their leg muscle groups (such as the hamstrings, calves, and buttocks muscles).

FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B illustrate a first and a second position of a second exercise a user can perform with a portable foldable exercise machine while sitting down on a chair. This exercise is similar to the above exercise routine, except the user pushes simultaneously against both handle bars at the same time, alternating between the first and second positions in the illustration to work out their leg muscles groups (such as hamstrings, calves, and buttocks muscles).

FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B illustrate a first and a second position of a third exercise a user can perform with a portable foldable exercise machine while sitting down on a chair. The user sits down on a chair and places the base structure of the exercise machine against their chest with the cushioned support ends of the handle bars of the exercise machine on their quadriceps muscles. The user bows and pushes simultaneously against both handle bars, alternating between the first and second positions in the illustration to work out their abdominal and quadriceps muscles.

FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B illustrate a first and a second position of a fourth exercise a user can perform with a portable foldable exercise machine while sitting down on a chair. The user sits down on a chair and places the base structure of the exercise machine against their chest with the cushioned ends of the handle bars of the exercise machine on their quadriceps. The user raises their quadriceps muscles and pushes simultaneously against both handle bars, alternating between the first and second positions in the illustration to work out their abdominal and quadriceps muscles.

FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B illustrate a first and a second position of a fifth exercise a user can perform with a portable foldable exercise machine while sitting down on a chair. The user sits down on a chair and places the base structure of the exercise machine against their chest with the cushioned ends of the handle bars of the exercise machine on their quadriceps. The user raises their quadriceps muscles one at a time and pushes independently against each of the handle bars, alternating between the first and second positions in the illustration to work out their abdominal and quadriceps muscles.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable foldable exercise device, comprising: a base structure, comprising: a base bar and; a first and a second rigid arms, wherein a first end of the first rigid arm is securely fastened to a first end of the base bar, wherein a first end of the second rigid arm is securely fastened to a second end of the base bar to form a U-shape structure; a first and a second rotatable arms, wherein a first end of the first rotatable arm is rotatably connected to a second end of the first rigid arm via a first hinge, wherein a first end of the second rotatable arm is rotatably connected to a second end of the second rigid arm via a second hinge; a first and a second handle bars attached to a second end of the first and second rotatable arms respectively, wherein the first rotatable arm can be rotated via the first hinge with respect to the first rigid arm, and wherein the second rotatable arm can be rotated via the second hinge with respect to the second rigid arm; and a first and a second spring mechanisms disposed surrounding the first and second hinges respectively, wherein the first spring mechanism provides a first resistance force when the first rotatable arm rotates towards the first rigid arm, and wherein the second spring mechanism provides a second resistance force when the second rotatable arm rotates towards the second rigid arm.
 2. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first and second rotatable arms rotates in an axis perpendicular to the base bar, wherein the first and second rotatable arms have substantially the same length but shorter than the first and second rigid arms respectively.
 3. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 1, wherein a substantially-mid portion of the first handle bar is attached to the second end of the first rotatable arm, wherein a substantially-mid portion of the second handle bar is attached to the second end of the second rotatable arms.
 4. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 3, wherein a longitudinal axis of each of the first and second handle bars is perpendicular to each of the first and second rigid arms, respectively, restricting each of the first and second rotatable arms to less than 360 degrees of rotation.
 5. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 4, wherein the first and second handle bars are not in contact with each other while the first and second rotatable arms rotate such that the first and second rotatable arms can rotate independently.
 6. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first resistance exerts a first torque on the first rotatable arm rotatably connected to the first rigid arms, wherein the second resistance exerts a second torque on the second rotatable arm rotatably connected to the second rigid arm.
 7. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 6, wherein the first spring mechanism can be adjusted to increase the first torque, wherein the second spring mechanism can be adjusted to increase the second torque.
 8. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 6, wherein the two spring mechanisms comprise one of a spring coil and a flexible metal plate.
 9. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a first and a second angle restriction mechanisms, each secured on each of the first and second rigid arms to prevent the first and second rotatable arms from a full rotation.
 10. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second angle restriction mechanisms includes at least a first angle position of an extension of approximately 90 degrees angle between the rotatable and the rigid arms and a second angle position of an extension of approximately zero degrees angle between the rotatable and the rigid arms.
 11. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 10, wherein each of the first and second angle restriction mechanism further comprises: a first and a second spring-loaded knobs with protrusions secured on the first and second rigid arms, respectively; and a first and a second insertion crevices on the first and second rotatable arms respective, wherein the first protrusion moves about the first insertion crevice when the first rotatable arm moves between the first and second angle positions of the angle restriction mechanisms, wherein the second protrusion moves about the second insertion crevice when the second rotatable arm moves between the first and second angle positions of the angle restriction mechanisms.
 12. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 11, wherein each of the first and second angle restriction mechanism further comprises a third and a fourth insertion crevices on the first and second rotatable arms respectively, wherein the first protrusion moves and locks into the third insertion crevice, wherein the second protrusion moves and locks into the fourth insertion crevice.
 13. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first and second handle bars further comprising: a substantially cylindrical padded support on a first end of each of the handle bars, wherein the first ends of each of the handle bars are positioned adjacent to each other; and a substantially rigid handle on a second end of each of the handle bars.
 14. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 13, wherein the substantially cylindrical padded supports can be utilized by a user to perform an exercise by placing at least one of their abdominal and chest muscles on the substantially cylindrical padded supports, while the base structure is placed on a support surface.
 15. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 13, wherein the substantially cylindrical padded supports can be utilized by a user to perform an exercise by placing their left and right legs on each of the substantially cylindrical padded supports of the handle bars, respectively.
 16. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 13, wherein the substantially rigid handles can be utilized by a user to perform an exercise by placing their left and right hands on the first and second substantially rigid handles, respectively.
 17. The portable foldable exercise device of claim 1, wherein the portable foldable exercise device is substantially symmetrical with respect to the base bar. 